The number of confinements resulting in a multiple birth has increased consistently since the 1970s. In 2009, there were 4,400 confinements resulting in a multiple birth; of these, 82 were triplets and 4 were quads or higher order. This was 27% higher than the number recorded in 1989 (3,200 confinements), but 3% lower than the number recorded in 2008 (4,600 confinements).

2.10 Multiple births, States and territories - 2009

Single

Twins

Triplets and higher order

Total multiple births

Total confinements

State or territory of usual residence

no.

no.

no.

no.

no.

New South Wales

90 086

1 310

28

1 338

91 424

Victoria

68 591

1 133

21

1 154

69 745

Queensland

64 028

1 014

19

1 033

65 061

South Australia

19 158

283

4

287

19 445

Western Australia

29 999

435

8

443

30 442

Tasmania

6 488

59

3

62

6 550

Northern Territory

3 712

np

np

53

3 765

Australian Capital Territory

4 711

np

np

74

4 785

Australia(a)

286 796

4 358

86

4 444

291 240

np not available for publication but included in totals where applicable, unless otherwise indicated